Coming soon: Vintage Theatre – Torch Song

Torch Song Trilogy – Vintage Theatre

Just in time for Pride Month, Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song has burst onto the scene in a brilliantly imagined production at Vintage Theatre, breathing new life into this beloved queer classic. Fierstein’s signature mix of biting wit and raw emotional depth shines through in this revival, capturing the struggles, joys, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ identity with striking honesty.

As directed by Colorado newcomer Tom Bruett, the production is a masterful recreation of the gay community and its struggles from the 1970s and ’80s, capturing its heartache, resilience, and triumph with striking authenticity. Bruett’s thoughtful approach brings vibrant energy to the stage, ensuring that every moment resonates deeply with the audience.

Fierstein’s original Torch Song Trilogy first came to life off-off Broadway before landing on the Great White Way in June 1982. Its running time was four hours (I can attest to this) and it introduced the world to Arnold Beckhoff and his gay life, showering it with accolades ranging from the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play to the Tony Award for Best Play and garnering a Tony Award for Fierstein as Best Actor in a Play.

A revamped play, now called Torch Song (which I also saw on Broadway), returned to the stage in 2018 in a significantly shorter version that retained the heartfelt elements of the original. Nothing is lost in Fierstein’s condensed version, and in many ways, it is a more palpable theatrical outing because of its shortened time commitment. It must be said that this is a hilarious play with the wit and wisdom of Harvey Fierstein at the helm.

We are introduced to Arnold (Star Ilalaole), who performs in drag at The International Stud in June 1994. Ilalaole gives a fine representation of dragdom and sets the stage for what is about to unfold. His emotional depth is continually exercised throughout the performance, and Ilalaole never disappoints, striking the right note at every opportunity. Ilalaole’s compelling performance makes Arnold both deeply lovable and achingly tragic in nearly every scene.

Along the way, Arnold meets Ed (Austin Jensen), with whom he becomes romantically involved. Jensen delivers a striking performance as the love interest and is both charming and stalwart as the token bisexual. His performance shines with undeniable impact.

Of course, complications arise as Arnold and Ed’s relationship ricochets over the next two hours. We are introduced to Ed’s wife, Laurel, played by Kimberly Colisch, whose deeply felt performance is a standout. A welcome addition to the Vintage family, she brings a Shakespearean depth to the role.

Rounding out the top-notch cast is Jack Bucher as Alan, Arnold’s love interest, who has just the right energy as the sexy young model who resurrects Arnold’s life following his tumultuous relationship with Ed. Kai Andrews (David) springs into action during act two as the child that Arnold and Alan intended to adopt. Andrews is quirky and lovable at the same time, adding a breath of fresh air with his heartfelt performance.

Finally, we are introduced to Ma (Diane Wziontka), who has come to spend time with Arnold and to meet his “roommate” David. In what turns out to be an emotionally packed scene, Wziontka delivers a cutting performance that propels the story into another stratosphere, closing out the play with a newfound understanding and redemption.

This production reminds us why Torch Song remains such a foundational piece of queer theater—it’s bold, heartfelt, and unafraid to ask the hard questions about love, acceptance, and the search for belonging. With a cast delivering powerhouse performances and stunning direction by Tom Bruett, the Vintage Theatre’s take on Torch Song is proving to be a must-see for anyone craving theater that speaks to both the past and present of LGBTQ+ life.

Torch Song is playing through June 29, and I rarely see a production more than once, however, I have already booked my seat for the closing day. For me, Torch Song is also a trip down memory lane from my young adulthood living in New York City, and I came away with a strong visceral reaction to this outstanding production at Vintage Theatre.